L'élément NOT ( ou<N'T> sous sa forme contractée) s'accroche à un auxiliaire (DO, BE, HAVE, auxiliaire modal); il se place entre l'auxiliaire DO ou modal et la base verbale:
  • He is in the library                    -----> he isn't in the library
  • They know the answer             -----> they don't know the answer
  • I have got a sister                     -----> I haven't got a sister / I don't have a sister
  • We can speak English               -----> We cannot / can't speak English
  • You should chat with her          -----> You shouldn't chat with her
  • She must go there                    -----> She mustn't go there
Certains adverbes ont un sens négatif. C'est le cas de NEVER ( = N-ever):
  • I never work after 8 pm